Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Hearing on elevator problems: "Could not do groceries"
A hearing was held at the Stopera in Amsterdam to address frequent elevator breakdowns that have left many residents stranded in their homes. Stakeholders, including residents, housing corporations, a...
Dutch Parliament seeks clarity on €2 billion pledged to Ukraine
The Dutch House of Representatives is seeking clarification regarding 2 billion euros in additional aid for Ukraine promised by the previous cabinet. During a defense budget debate, both opposition an...
Doctors Without Borders expands emergency aid in Lebanon
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is expanding its emergency aid in Lebanon as tens of thousands of people flee Israeli airstrikes. The organization reports mass displacement following Israeli military or...
Turkish source: Iranian missile was intended for Cyprus
A Turkish official reported that an Iranian missile intercepted on Wednesday was likely intended for a base in Cyprus rather than Turkey. The source suggested that the missile went off course before b...
Dutch troops in Middle East will not be withdrawn
Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz has announced that military personnel currently on missions in the Middle East will not be recalled for the time being. Despite the escalating regional conflict...
After ten years of bickering, Heintje Hoeksteeg residents finally get a gate: It was a public toilet
After a ten-year campaign, residents of Amsterdam's Heintje Hoeksteeg will finally see their alley closed at night with gates to combat persistent drug dealing and public nuisance. The gates will be l...
Velserbroek neighborhood remains dark due to bureaucratic ping-pong between authorities: ‘We are caught between three parties’
Residents of the Linie street in Velserbroek have been without functional street lighting for over a year due to a bureaucratic dispute between government agencies. Despite safety concerns from the co...
Adults with city pass can also get swimming lessons for one euro
Starting in September, low-income adults in Amsterdam with a city pass can access swimming lessons for one euro to encourage water safety among those who never learned. The initiative, announced by Al...
Listed companies more often have enough women than private firms
A study by the CPB found that listed companies in the Netherlands have more women on their supervisory boards than other large companies. This trend is driven by the mandatory gender quota that applie...
Sports clubs struggling: Too few volunteers and rising regulations. 'We are not a business'
Dutch sports clubs are facing a critical shortage of volunteers alongside increasing regulatory burdens from the government and sports associations. Clubs are calling for more official support to help...
Demolition of worn-out Giraf in Hillegom begins, new one expected in summer 2028
The demolition of the De Giraf primary school in Hillegom has officially begun following a symbolic ceremony led by local officials. The project aims to replace the aging school with a brand-new build...
Iran says it targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq
The Iranian military launched missile strikes against Kurdish militia positions in northern Iraq, targeting groups they described as separatists. The attacks focused on camps near the Iranian border h...
Hegseth: We’ve only just begun in Iran, will now push forward
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States and Israel are winning the conflict against Iran. During a joint press conference with General Dan Caine, Hegseth indicated that milit...
Hegseth: Leader of Iranian group behind Trump assassination plot is dead
U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth announced that the leader of an Iranian group involved in an assassination plot against Donald Trump has been killed. Hegseth did not disclose the identity of t...
US behind attack on Iranian warship near Sri Lanka
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States was responsible for a submarine attack on an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka. The announcement was made during a press conference de...
Prepare your vote at the election market
An election market is being organized to help citizens prepare for the upcoming municipal elections. The event provides an opportunity to learn more about the political parties participating in the vo...
Costa says EU stands fully behind Spain
European Council President António Costa informed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez that the European Union stands fully behind Spain. Costa confirmed the expression of support following a phone ...
Macron expresses solidarity with Spanish PM over US conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed European solidarity with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez following threats of economic sanctions from U.S. President Donald Trump. The conflict aro...
NATO condemns Iranian attack on Turkey and expresses support
NATO has condemned an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Southeast Turkey after the projectile was intercepted by the alliance's air defenses on Wednesday. No casualties were reported, and a spokespe...
Brussels wants governments to buy European for independence
The European Commission has introduced a legislative proposal requiring EU member states to prioritize European-made products for government procurement. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign i...
What to do if you are stranded in Dubai? Five questions about flying to or via the Middle East
Thousands of Dutch travelers are currently stranded in the Middle East due to ongoing regional conflict. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed safety concerns and logistics for those fly...
Higher HPV rates among women without access to population screening
Doctors of the World reports that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is more prevalent among women who lack access to national cervical cancer screenings. Based on 555 tests conducted between 2022 and 202...
Heemskerk Lokaal wants to push ahead with Heemskerk scale model: ‘In the town hall this summer’
Sebastiaan Schoorl of the Heemskerk Lokaal party is pushing to exhibit a model of Heemskerk in the town hall as early as this summer. Supported by local resident Karen Vleugel, the initiative aims to ...
Iraqi Shia leader calls on Muslims to show solidarity with Iran
Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Hussein al-Sistani, has called on Muslims to show solidarity with Iran. He described the strikes by Israel and the United States as an unjustified war.
Cleanup of former drug waste pit near Halsteren stops
The cleanup of a chemically contaminated drug waste pit in Halsteren has ended, despite the soil not being fully remediated. Authorities expect nature to break down the remaining pollution over the co...
Israeli military orders South Lebanon residents to move north
The Israeli army has ordered residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate and move north of the Litani River for their safety. Civilians living south of the river were instructed to cross it immediately ...
Gas price drops again after days of sharp increases
Gas prices decreased on Wednesday after two days of sharp increases, as traders monitor U.S. plans to protect shipping in the Middle East. In the Netherlands, energy suppliers are adjusting contracts,...
Still undecided about your vote on March 18? Fill out the AT5 Election Compass now!
AT5 and Kieskompas have launched an online voting tool to help Amsterdam residents prepare for the municipal elections on March 18. The compass features questions on local issues like drug policy and ...
Cabinet considers sending naval ship to Mediterranean
The Dutch government is considering sending a naval ship to the Mediterranean Sea following a request from France. Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen and Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz informed...
Cabinet considers joining military mission near Iran: France requests aid, Dutch frigate en route
The Dutch government is considering joining a military defense mission near Iran, with the frigate Zr. Ms. Evertsen already en route to the eastern Mediterranean. At France's request, the ship will ac...